Oklahoma Vs Kansas State Betting Line

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Kentucky vs

The Kentucky Wildcats opened this season as the top-ranked team in the land, but their much-hyped freshmen never really jelled.

Ten losses later and on the heels of a recent five-game losing streak against the spread, they're a No. 8 seed in the NCAA tournament and probably happy to get an invitation.

But Kentucky still seems capable of making a run, and their first challenge comes from another gang of Wildcats—this one from Kansas State. KU was favored in this Midwest Region matchup.

Spread and total points scored betting line

Kentucky opened as four-point favorites, but bettors forced up the spread (to -6) as of Thursday; the total was 134. (Compare lines and consensus on the Odds Shark matchup report.)

Odds Shark computer pick

Why pick Kansas State to cover the spread

These Wildcats are in the tournament for the fifth straight season after going 10-8 to finish fifth in a tough Big 12. No. 9 Kansas State owns victories this season over Gonzaga, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Iowa State. At least a handful of its defeats were close ones to tournament qualifiers, according to the game logs.

The Wildcats don't shoot the ball too well, but they can play some defense, holding foes to less than 41 percent shooting on the season.

Also, Kansas State has performed well in recent tournament openers, winning and covering four of their last five Big Dance opening-round matches.

Why pick Kentucky to cover the spread

These Wildcats, who missed the tournament last year, are back in after going 12-6 to finish second in the SEC during the regular season, losing to Florida in the conference tournament championship game by a point.

No. 8 Kentucky owns wins this season over Providence, Louisville and Tennessee, and six of its losses came against the Gators (who beat the 'Cats three times), Michigan State, Baylor and North Carolina.

Kentucky is young and talented, starting five freshmen. Defensively, the Wildcats are limiting opponents to 40 percent field-goal percentage.

Both of these teams are young, both can struggle at times to throw the ball in the hole, even from the free-throw line, and both play pretty good defense.

This could turn into a tough, possession-by-possession game. And if that's the case, six points might come in handy. Kentucky might have the advantage in talent, but that talent has proved to be erratic. Take the points with Kansas State and bet on Kentucky’s 7-1-1 ATS run in the tournament to stall a bit.

Kansas State Wildcats: No. 168

March Madness betting trends

UNDER is 8-3 past 11 games when KU is favored

Kentucky 7-1-1 ATS past nine tournament games

Kansas State ended year on 2-6 ATS run

Kansas State 2-8 SU past 10 games as underdogs

Kansas State is 4-1 ATS past five first-round games

Note: All spread and betting line data powered by Odds Shark—download the free Lines and Bet Tracker app in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

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Texas vs. Oklahoma: Matchups, keys to victory in Red River Rivalry

Published on Oct. 13, 2017

Updated at 10:18 a.m. ET

For the first time in three years, Oklahoma is coming off a loss entering the Red River Rivalry. The Sooners had a sound offensive performance last week against Iowa State, but a dropped touchdown pass and a fumble on the goal line kept the Sooners from beating the 31-point underdog Cyclones.

As for Texas, coach Tom Herman relied heavily on the arm of true freshman quarterback Sam Ehlinger to seal an overtime win over Kansas State, 40-34. The freshman completed 30 of 50 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns.

This is the first matchup since 1998 that neither Bob Stoops or Mack Brown will be coaching, either. Herman and Lincoln Riley have already faced a couple of worthy nonconference opponents, but none has the draw to what this Big 12 matchup brings to the table.

Here are the keys to victory for both teams, including key matchups and biggest players in the Red River Rivalry:

Oklahoma O-line vs. Texas defensive front

The Oklahoma offensive line has been excellent this season. Sure, the unit has allowed eight sacks on the season (including two against Ohio State), and the rushing offense hasn’t been as potent compared to last season's. However, the offensive line could give Baker Mayfield a clean pocket to work from this week — as clean as any in college football.

Oklahoma’s consistency up front this season has been impressive. The unit shows its cohesiveness when picking up blitz packages, allowing little pressure to affect Mayfield.

OU front is strong. Picked up every rusher on the play. Mayfield has had all day to throw thus far. (Mid 2q) pic.twitter.com/avN7XIK19q

First round-caliber left tackle Orlando Brown has been impeccable this season. The junior is not the most agile or flexible tackle in the land, but his length and strength at the point of attack give him the ability to consistently control his matchup. He and the rest of the Sooner offensive line must be able to withstand an improved Texas defensive line unit, which will be OU's second biggest test so far this season (behind Ohio State).

The Longhorns D-line isn’t a sexy pass-rushing crew, but still creates enough pressure to make the quarterback feel uneasy. The majority of Texas’ pressure comes from linebackers shooting off the edge, benefiting from the defensive line holding its own at the point of attack.

Getting pressure on Mayfield doesn’t necessarily guarantee defensive success — considering his ability to create plays on the fly — but keeping gap integrity and containing the edge can go a long way. Texas has yet to find its go-to pass-rusher this season, though Charles Omenihu (6-7, 280 pounds) has made noise early with two sacks on the year.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo vs. Texas O-line

Losing All-American and potential top-10 pick Connor Williams to a meniscus injury early this season made Texas take a step back on the offensive front. Williams left a big hole to fill at the left tackle position, and his permanent replacement hasn't been found yet.

Tristan Nickelson has stepped in to play the position for now, leaving true freshman Derek Kerstetter to start the last two games on the right side. The unit hasn’t found the continuity it once had with Williams, but is making strides entering this weekend. An impending matchup up against defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and the rest of the OU front seven will tell how far this line has come without its anchor.

Okoronkwo is the Sooners’ primary pass-rusher playing a versatile role on defense. The 6-1 senior shows his edge presence rushing the passer from an upright position. He has shown that he can with quickness from the upright position, often embarrassing offensive tackles and then exploding toward the quarterback. His spin move takes one step to get into the backfield and his flexibility is a huge advantage going up against longer tackles with flexibility issues (Nickelson is 6-9).

Okoronkwo also makes an impact in coverage by patrolling the flats and intermediate areas of the field. It’s hard to avoid the dangerous defender, and the Longhorns must scheme to avoid his impact. He doesn’t allow the offense to get comfortable, constantly baiting quarterbacks and tackles into rushing or over-pursuing.

Containing Baker Mayfield

Mayfield’s impressive stat line doesn’t stem from a plethora of easy dump passes that increase his completion percentage. Though the senior makes some passes behind the line of scrimmage, Mayfield has the arm strength to consistently and accurately push the ball downfield. The Heisman candidate has yet to throw an interception on 134 attempts this season and hasn't committed a turnover through the air in the last seven games. He has thrown at least two touchdowns in the past 18 games, including 11 three-touchdown games.

Mayfield will finish with one of the better quarterback ratings in college football history, and that is no secret. And Texas knows how dynamic the All-American is. Creating pressure and defending against the long ball is key for a Texas victory. Mayfield can dice up a defense all afternoon with 10-yard throws here and there, but removing the deep ball from the Sooners' playbook can keep the momentum in check. That’s what Iowa State managed to do.

Baker Mayfield vs. Iowa State

Mayfield finished the day with an efficient outing, completing 24 of 33 passes for two touchdowns. Accounting for dropped passes, his adjusted completion rate against the Cyclones was an astounding 84.8 percent. Looking at that and thinking that Iowa State kept him in check may be a surprise, but with the vertical passing style offense Oklahoma favors, Mayfield’s longest completion was 29 yards. Mayfield’s longest completion in the previous five games were 51, 42, 82 and 52 yards, respectively.

Making the Oklahoma offense string together long drives will only benefit the defense. Mayfield’s dynamic ability is hard to bottle up. Keeping the playmaker from getting in rhythm underneath and connecting on the long ball gives the 7.5-point dog Longhorns and legitimate shot to come away as victor in the Red River Rivalry.

Oklahoma vs kansas state betting line

The Gonzaga Bulldogs (32-1) are the No. 1 seed in the West Region, and will take on the No. 16 seed South Dakota State (18-16). The game will be played at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Thursday, March 16.

Preview: Gonzaga clinched the No. 1 seed with big wins over Florida, Iowa State, Arizona, and three wins over St. Mary's. The Bulldogs' only loss on the season came to BYU. They are led by junior guard Nigel Williams-Goss, who averages 16.9 points per game.

South Dakota State reached the tournament by defeating Nebraska-Omaha in the Summit League Tournament. The Jackrabbits are led by Mike Daum, who averages 25.3 points per game.

You can check out the entire NCAA Tournament bracket here. You can also see how the committee ranked the teams 1-68 here.

Location: Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, UT

Announcers: Andrew Cataon, Steve Lappas, Jamie Erdahl

This will be the first match-up between Gonzaga and South Dakota State.

Gonzaga's last NCAA Tournament appearance was last season. As a No. 11 seed, the Bulldogs made it to the Sweet 16, where they lost to No. 10 seed Syracuse 63-60. This is Gonzaga's 20th NCAA Tournament appearance. The program has advanced to seven Sweet 16s and two Elite Eights.

South Dakota State's last NCAA Tournament appearance was also last season. As a No. 12 seed, the Jackrabbits lost to No. 5 seed Maryland 79-74 in the first round. The Jackrabbits have never won an NCAA Tournament game.

Prediction: This is one of Mark Few's most talented groups at Gonzaga. Williams-Goss and center Przemek Karnowski are as good a combination as any team has in the country. While the WCC doesn't offer a great slate of games, the Bulldogs handled St. Mary's three times, and ran through an impressive non-conference slate, beating a number of eventual NCAA Tournament teams.

Gonzaga will handle South Dakota State without much of an issue.

RELATED: The academic ranking of teams in the 2017 March Madness

U.S News & World Report: #1 National University

U.S News & World Report: #8 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #12 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #15 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #15 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #23 National University

U.S News & World Report: #24 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #24 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #27 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #27 National University (tie)

North Carolina - Chapel Hill

U.S News & World Report: #30 National University

U.S News & World Report: #44 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #44 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #44 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #50 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #50 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #56 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #60 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #71 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #71 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #74 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #82 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #86 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #92 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #92 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #103 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #107 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #111 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #111 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #118 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #118 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #124 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #133 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #135 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #135 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #135 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #152 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #159 National University (tie)

Virginia Commonwealth University - VCU

U.S News & World Report: #164 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #171 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #183 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #188 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #188 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #197 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #197 National University (tie)

South Dakota State

U.S News & World Report: #202 National University

U.S News & World Report: #220 National University (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #32National Liberal Arts Colleges

U.S News & World Report: #1Regional Universities North

U.S News & World Report: #1Regional Universities Midwest

U.S News & World Report: #2 Regional Universities Midwest

U.S News & World Report: #4 Regional Universities Midwest (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #4 Regional Universities West (tie)

St. Mary's College of California

U.S News & World Report: #9 Regional Universities West (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #16 Regional Universities South (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #26 Regional Universities South

U.S News & World Report: #27 Regional Universities North (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #69 Regional Universities North (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #72 Regional Universities South (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #75 Regional Universities North (tie)

Florida Gulf Coast

U.S News & World Report: #82 Regional Universities South (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #82 Regional Universities South (tie)

U.S News & World Report: #98 Regional Universities South (tie)

Ranking not published by U.S. News and World Report

Ranking not published by U.S. News and World Report

Ranking not published by U.S. News and World Report

Ranking not published by U.S. News and World Report

Ranking not published by U.S. News and World Report

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With each passing week, it appears that Bill Snyder's Kansas State Wildcats are destined to be college football's Cinderella story of 2012. The Wildcats improved to 8-0 last week with another impressive victory by blasting no. 14 Texas Tech 55-24. It was the Wildcats 2nd straight blowout victory over a top 15 opponent and with just 4 games remaining it puts Kansas State in legitimate position to run the table for a perfect regular season. Furthermore if you look at the way Kansas State is winning games in convincing fashion, they will likely earn a trip to the National Championship Game even if teams like Oregon, Notre Dame, and Ohio State remain undefeated. Therefore Kansas State must continue to handle business starting with the visiting Oklahoma State Cowboys this Saturday night.

Oklahoma State will bring the nation's top ranked offense into Manhattan this Saturday night averaging a lucrative 586 total yards per game. The Cowboys can do it all on offense mixing up the run and the pass. Running back Joseph Randle leads the Big 12 with 891 rushing yards on the season while averaging 5.6 yards per touch. Randle has been able to make some really big plays in the run game this season which has given the Cowboys some balance on the offensive side of the football.

As always, Oklahoma State throws the football extremely well averaging 347 yards per game (6th in FBS). QB Wes Lunt returned last week from a knee injury to throw for 324 yards with 1 score and 1 pick. Lunt was the starter going into the year but suffered an injury in mid-September that kept him sidelined for weeks. Backup J.W Walsh did a great job in the relief role for Lunt but he was also injured in a season ending injury two weeks ago against Iowa State. Therefore, Lunt has the sole reigns of the offense going forward which should still move the football extremely well.

The question for the Cowboys this Saturday night will be can they stop Collin Klein and the Kansas State offense? The Wildcats have posted 55 points in each of the past two games against West Virginia and a rather respectable Texas Tech defense. QB Collin Klein is dominating with his arm and legs eerily similar to the way Tim Tebow dominated the college football landscape back in 2009. Klein has racked up 636 rushing yards along with 16 touchdowns on the ground alone this season. Not to mention, the senior quarterback has completed 70.3% passing for 1,630 yards with 12 scores and just 2 picks on the year.

Still, Klein cannot be given all the credit for the Wildcats breakout season. Running back John Hubert has racked up 722 yards and 10 touchdowns in the ground game. Hubert and Klein are a big reason why Kansas State has been so difficult to defend against the run. Overall, the Wildcats average 228 yards per game running the football. Outside the offensive accolades, the defense needs to be given credit as well. Kansas State may have one of the most under rated defenses in the country. The Wildcats defense held Texas Tech to 24 points, Oklahoma to 19 points, and West Virginia to just 14 points. As we all know, those 3 offenses are among the best in the country and it is time the Wildcats defense starts getting some respect. Perhaps one more big challenge remains this Saturday night for the Kansas State defense against Oklahoma State's number 1 overall offense.

Jay's Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Kansas State has not shown any signs of slowing down and they are playing some of the best football in the nation right now. Sure if things go astray, Oklahoma State has the offensive weapons to pull of a possible upset. However, that is not going to happen as defense separates the two teams. Kansas State continues to win big! Take Kansas State -7

Additional College Football Betting PreviewsNCAA Football Week 7 Betting Previews

Here are some additional game previews from this week's college football card.

This week's previews are in the oven.

Free Picks

Editor's Picks - Each weekend our very own in-house All-American Editor makes his NCAA point spread predictions in an attempt to force fumbles, sack and intercept your bookie!

Expert College Football Picks - Free premium college foots plays against the spread from expert handicappers from around the web from week 1 through the National Championship.

Underdog of the Week Pick - We sort through it all and find out which University is getting "too many points" this week. If there was a Heisman Trophy for picking underdogs, we'd be a frontrunner. Expect a 57%+ winning percentage with these picks as we've got a keen ear for loud barking dogs.

Line Movement - NCAA football lines open early in the week and often times move up or down based on wagering activity, injuries to key players and weather. We decipher whether it's square or wiseguy action and predict the point spread winner based on value.

College Football Consensus Picks - We assess the public perception each week and let them pick the winners for us as we fade their selections which provides us with many trips into our bookies endzone.

Computer Picks - We enter them into the computer and the machine makes it's picks. This is a great guide especially when betting totals! These are available after the first few weeks of the season.

Trends - Despite what you have been told or read on tout sites, the trend ain't your friend. We however turn the tables and fade the almighty trend for what should be some great profits over time.

2017/2018 College Football Predictions - Bob gives his picks to win each major conference. At the end, he gives his prediction on who thinks will win the 2018 National Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8th.

2017 Heisman Trophy Predictions - USC QB Sam Darnold is a heavy pre-season favorite to win college football's most coveted award, but Jay isn't buying it. In fact, he's passing up the top (3) favored players in favor of a QB who he's confident will be NCAA football's best player in 2017.

2017-2018 College Football Championship Predictions - NCAA football experts have the Alabama Crimson Tide running away with the National Championship this season and who can blame them? Roll Tide is LOADED! It never happens that easy though. The USC Trojans (+825), Florida St. Seminoles (+850) and Ohio St. Buckckeyes (+875) all have a legit shot. Oddsmakers have Oklahoma (+1300) on the bubble and everybody looking from the outside in at 20/1 or higher. Jay gives his pick to win it all along with how his top 15 rankings for season's end. Get your bets in early before your favorite team's line drops!

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Heisman Trophy Betting Odds - USC QB Sam Darnold starts the season off as a heavy favorite at +350 odds. Sooners QB Baker Mayfield is second on the list at +700 but can he keep his nose clean? Louisville QB Lamar Jackson should dominate this season but will Louisville be taken seriously? Oregon Ducks RB Royce Freeman is worth a pop at 60/1 if he gets the carries. Bama WR Calvin Ridley brings experience and big-time playmaking ability and will be featured on National TV a bunch, giving him a legit darkhorse shot. But will they throw the ball enough with a QB who likes to run? Missing from this year's list of odds is a defensive player.

Odds to Win the 2017 College Football Championship - The Alabama Crimson Tide are heavy favorites to win the National Championship this year at 5/2 followed by Ohio St. at 13/5, USC at 7/1 and FSU at 17/2. Things drop off a bit with the Oklahoma Sooners coming in at 12/1, Auburn Tigers at 14/1 and Michigan Wolverines at 16/1. Check out your favorite school's odds here!

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